Future Uncertain for China’s Guide Dogs

Certificates created to permit guide dogs in all public areas of Beijing for the duration of the Olympic and Paralympic games, expire tomorrow.

Dogs are banned from most public places in China, and although nearly 12 million Chinese citizens are visually impaired, only 6 of these individuals currently have guide dogs. One of those citizens is Ping Yali, this year’s Paralympic torchbearer. Ping was given a golden retriever named Lucky as a reward for her previous gold medal in the long jump competition. Ping admits that the sight of Lucky dressed in his guide dog harness, along with his size can be intimidating to the general public, and has often prevented her from hailing taxis or riding public transit. However, it is not stopping her from fighting for laws to protect the disabled persons of China. Since Lucky came into her life, she has managed to get around the city with ease, greatly reduce the risk of injuring herself, and generally feel more confident and safe.

Ping will continue to work hard promoting the benefits of guide dogs, and help them to achieve working dog status, similar to the German Shepherds used in the police force.